decriminalization

noun/diˌkrɪmɪnələˈzeɪʃən/

Frequency rank: #18,803 most common English word

Meaning

the process of removing criminal penalties from a previously illegal activity

Illustration for the English word “decriminalization”

Example sentence

Many activists support the decriminalization of marijuana use, arguing that treatment is more effective than punishment.

Synonyms & related words

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